[RMC News] [2008 General Conference News] April 27th Two Stepping In Texas Report

[Strickland, Skip]

Two Stepping from Texas
General Conference 2008
Fort Worth, Texas
Walter “Skip” Strickland &
Olon Mulford Lindemood
 
Sunday, April 27, 2008
 
The table of this day was sitting in the Media / Press room.  I was privileged to sit with Gheeta Smith who has come from the Rocky Mountain Conference to attend the General Conference.  Gheeta was elected as a reserve to the general Conference.  She comes from Sandy, Utah Hill Top UMC.  You may have read her thoughts and reflections also.
 
Gheeta Smith responded to the question, “What is the future of the UMC?”
 
“hummmm?
. You do not want to hear my gut reactions 
 if things do not change 
 it will take sixty years.”  That is just coming out of the ‘down swing’ of working with young people.”  Rocky Mountain used to be a flagship but is not getting it done any more.  The church is behind the times on issues that young people care about 
 or even ways to talk to young people.  The UMC is not taking firm stances on issues that young people care about.  Instead they are trying to be all things to all people. The issues of the day include poverty, LGBT issues, and justice issues (human rights issues in general).  Young people care about justice issues but they are not growing up in the church and do not understand the meaning of discipleship.   Effectiveness of clergy 
 is an issue. 
 
When I asked, “How would we recognize an effective clergy?”
 
If they are burnt out and acting on it
 focus on self-health as well as the congregation.  Truly welcoming of everyone
  and they value all members as peers.  We all share the same walk
 We are all on the walk toward perfection.  Issues of accountability are critical too. 
 
Young people are trying to stay within the denomination.  As for Gheeta she is willing to stay and have voice from within.  “I am doing my best to stay at the table.  Trying to.  It is not easy though.”

”What do you hope for the UMC?” was the next question.
Gheeta takes a long pause and says,” My hope for the UMC is that we as a body become authentic followers of Jesus Christ.”  I do not necessarily hope that we just stay unified.  After we own who we are, then we can move on.  The path will reveal itself.”
 
Today, I sit in stunned silence after hearing Gheeta’s passion for our church.   My heart is silent as I hear her desire to challenge and awaken this church that can do the right things but often chooses not to do the right thing.  She will continue to believe. 
 
In silence I sit at the empty press table listening to the echo of the young laywoman’s laments that her church is not more.
 
Observations by:
 
Olon Mulford Lindemood
Assistant to the Rocky Mountain Conference Director of Communications, Walter “Skip” Strickland.  Skip is going to be a master video-editor with CNN within a few days...(Don't you think he is doing a great job?)

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